From Hermione to Belle: Emma Watson through the years

Photos: Associated Press

23 things you might not know about Emma Watson

British actress Emma Watson broke onto the scene in 2001 as Hermione Granger in the Harry Potter franchise. In the years since the series has ended, Watson has gone one to make a name for herself both in Hollywood and the fashion world. With the release of Disney’s live-action ‘Beauty and the Beast’ yesterday, Emma finds herself taking on yet another iconic role, this time as Belle.

Check out our slide show of fun facts about Watson to learn more about the actress and what the future might hold for her.


Photo: Associated Press

1. Emma Watson was born in France

Emma Charlotte Duerre Watson was born April 15, 1990 in Paris. Her parents divorced when she was young at which point she moved back to England with her mother.


Photo: Facebook

2. Where did Emma go to school?

Watson attended the prestigious Dragon School in Oxford.


Photo: Associated Press

3. Hermione was her first role

While she appeared in multiple stage plays beforehand, Watson’s professional acting debut was as Hermione Granger in ‘Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone’


Photo: Associated Press

4. Lending a hand in Hollywood

Watson, Daniel Radcliffe and Rupert Grint added their prints outside Grauman’s Chinese Theatre in 2007.


Photo: Associated Press

5. We almost had a different Hermione

While the ‘Harry Potter’ films continued to be a huge box office draw, Watson was hesitant to continue in the role after the 5th film. Could you imagine another actress as Hermione?


Photo: Associated Press

6. She had a thing for bad boys

While she was close with both of her Potter co-stars, it was bad boy Tom Felton (Draco Malfoy) that she had a crush on.


YouTube.com

7. On the BBC

Watson starred in the film adaptation of Noel Streatfeild’s ‘Ballet Shoes’ on the BBC. It was her first non-Potter role.


Photo: Associated Press

8. She’s done voice work too

Watson voiced the character Princess Pea in the film ‘The Tale of Despereaux’ which also included Matthew Broderick, Dustin Hoffman and Kevin Kline.


Photo: Associated Press

9. She’s an ivy league grad

Watson graduated from Brown University in 2014. She majored in English Lit.


Photos: Associated Press

10. Beyond Harry Potter

As Watson transitioned her career following the end of the Harry Potter series, she appeared in films such as ‘The Perks of Being a Wallflower,’ ’This is the End’ and ‘Noah’.


Photo: Associated Press

11. Showing off some ‘Bling’

Watson also appeared in ‘The Bling Ring’ where she portrayed a character based on Alexis Neiers.


YouTube.com

12. She’s a video star

Watson appeared in a music video for the song ‘Say You Don’t Want It’ by the band One Night Only.


Photo: Associated Press

13. She turned down Disney before

Watson was offered the role in Disney’s live action adaptation of Cinderella, but turned the role down. Lily James ended up with the title role.


Photo: Associated Press

14. GQ is a fan

Watson was named ‘Woman of the Year’ by British GQ in 2013.


YouTube.com

15. She dedicated an award to her pet

In 2014, Watson dedicated a Britannia Award to her hamster which died during the filming of the first Harry Potter movie.


Photos: Associated Press

16. She’s a model too

Watson’s off-screen modeling work has included stints with Burberry and Lancome. She shot a Burberry ad campaign with her brother Alex.


Photo: Associated Press

17. She’s an advocate for women

Watson was named a Goodwill Ambassador by the United Nations in 2014.

Via Twitter

18. She likes to hide books

In 2016, Watson made headlines when it was revealed she had been leaving books on New York subways.


Photo: Associated Press

19. Which Harry Potter book does she like best?

IMDB lists Prisoner of Azkaban as Watson’s favorite Harry Potter novel.


Photo: Associated Press

20. She gave up a chance for an Oscar

Watson was offered the role of Mia in ‘La La Land’ which eventually went to Emma Stone.  She turned it down as she wanted to focus on her role as Belle.


Photo: Associated Press

21. She’s a Disney princess

Watson stars as Belle in the live-action adaptation of Disney’s ‘Beauty and the Beast’


Photo: Associated Press

22. When is her birthday?

Emma’s birthday is on April 15th. Watson shares a birthday with ‘Beast’ co-star Luke Evans.


Photo: Associated Press

23. She’s been keeping journals for years

Buzzfeed reports that Watson journals every night and has filled approximately 30 journals in her lifetime.


Photos: Associated Press